- Under the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, more than 50 thousand devotees have visited Lord Shri Ram so far.
- Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Shri Neelu Sharma and public representatives flagged off the train.
Another caravan of faith and devotion departed today from the land of Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Under the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana of the Chhattisgarh government, a special train carrying 850 devotees departed from Raipur railway station for Ayodhya Dham. The atmosphere in the station premises remained devotional since morning with the hustle and bustle of devotees, devotional songs and chants of Jai Shri Ram. The faces of the devotees were glowing with the excitement of seeing Ram Lalla and the entire station turned into a festival of faith.
The special train was flagged off in the august presence of Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Shri Neelu Sharma, Chairman of Food Civil Supplies Corporation Shri Sanjay Srivastava, Abhanpur MLA Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, Raipur North MLA Shri Purendra Mishra along with other public representatives and senior officials. On this occasion, the distinguished guests congratulated and wished all the devotees for the darshan of Ram Lalla and wished them a safe, auspicious and pleasant journey. Managing Director of Tourism Department Shri Vivek Acharya, Shri Saumil Ranjan Choubey, Chief Executive Officer of Raipur District Panchayat Shri Kumar Vishwaranjan along with concerned officers and employees were also present on this occasion.
- More than 50 thousand devotees have visited Ram Lalla.
Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana is progressing under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai as an important initiative to respect the religious faith, cultural consciousness and public sentiments of the state. Under the scheme, till now more than 50 thousand devotees have visited Ayodhya Dham and have darshan of Lord Shri Ram. The large number of devotees visiting Ayodhya Dham to have darshan of Ram Lalla shows the wide acceptance of this scheme and its deep connection with public faith.
This initiative of the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, realizes the vision of ensuring that every eligible devotee from the state has the opportunity to visit the country’s major pilgrimage sites in a convenient, safe, and organized manner. Chhattisgarh has a special emotional and cultural connection with Lord Shri Ram. This journey of devotees from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya, linked to the memories of the exile period, is also connecting the state’s cultural heritage with religious faith.
- Along with Ram Lalla, devotees will also have the privilege of visiting Kashi Vishwanath.
o make this journey even more spiritual and pilgrim, devotees will have the opportunity to visit Baba Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi along with visiting Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham. This way, devotees will be able to connect with Lord Ram’s birthplace Ayodhya and Lord Shiva’s holy city Kashi in a single journey.
- Tourism Board and IRCTC have made extensive arrangements.
Giving top priority to the convenience of the pilgrims, the State Government, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation have made necessary arrangements to streamline the journey. By travelling in groups through special trains, pilgrims are getting access to many travel related facilities under one system.
For the convenience of pilgrims during the pilgrimage, arrangements are being made for meals and refreshments, accommodation, local transportation, pilgrimage sites, and necessary guidance. Relevant staff are available for security, medical care, and travel guidance, ensuring pilgrims can enjoy their religious journey without worry.
The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is playing a key role in coordinating and arranging travel for pilgrims, while IRCTC is streamlining rail travel and lodging and food arrangements. This is making pilgrimages more comfortable and convenient, even for pilgrims from remote areas of the state.
- A unique picture of devotion and enthusiasm was seen at the station.
Before the departure of the special train at Raipur railway station, a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the devotees. Some were seen holding Ramdhwaj in their hands, while some were seen excited about this historic journey with their families. The station premises kept echoing with the chants of Jai Shri Ram. The devotees wished each other a happy journey and departed for the Ayodhya Dham with the hymns of Lord Shri Ram.
For many devotees, this journey was the fulfillment of a long-cherished wish. As they boarded the special train, their faces were filled with joy and their eyes were filled with anticipation for a glimpse of Ram Lalla.
- Devotees said, “A dream is coming true.”
Devotees traveling to Ayodhya by special train expressed their gratitude to the state government, saying that their long-held desire to visit Ram Lalla is now being fulfilled. They said that this state government scheme is a significant gift for those who found it difficult to travel to Ayodhya due to financial or other reasons.
Devotees said that the government not only facilitated travel to Ayodhya, but also took responsibility for ensuring a safe, organized, and convenient journey. The opportunity to visit Kashi Vishwanath along with Ram Lalla makes this journey even more special.
An emotional devotee said, “We have cherished the desire to visit Ram Lalla for years. Today, thanks to this initiative of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai ji, our dream is about to come true. We are very excited about this journey with our entire family.”
Another devotee said, “Having the opportunity to visit Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and Baba Vishwanath in Kashi will be a memorable moment in our lives. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government for providing such a facility.”
- Religious tourism is getting a new direction.
By taking devotees from different districts of the state to Ayodhya Dham through special trains, religious tourism is getting a boost and people are getting an opportunity to connect with the rich spiritual heritage of the country. This initiative is also strengthening the cultural relations between Chhattisgarh and Ayodhya related to Lord Shri Ram. For the people of the state, Lord Shri Ram is not only an idol but is an integral part of the folk faith, tradition and cultural memories of Chhattisgarh.
- Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai’s sensitive initiative towards respecting public sentiments:
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the state government’s priority is not only development but also respecting the emotional aspect related to the state’s faith, culture and traditions. The Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana is a direct example of this public sentiment. Through the scheme, thousands of devotees from the state have got the opportunity to visit Ayodhya Dham free of cost and in an organized manner.
The fact that over 50,000 devotees visited Ram Lalla is proof that the scheme has played a vital role in connecting people from various walks of life and regions of the state with the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai’s government is continuously promoting this religious pilgrimage, prioritizing the convenience, safety, and respect of devotees.
The special train that departed from Raipur Railway Station today also marked a new chapter in this journey of public faith. Amidst chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” this journey of 850 devotees is not merely a journey toward Ayodhya, but an intimate union of Chhattisgarh’s faith, belief, and cultural sentiments with the holy city of Lord Shri Ram.